Legislature considering changing local elections

Friday

Mar 15, 2013 at 12:00 PM

The Kansas Legislature is considering bills that would change local elections across the state.

AP

The Kansas Legislature is considering bills that would change local elections across the state.One bill before the Kansas Senate would allow local elections to be partisan and held in even-numbered years, while another would have them in odd-numbered years. The House bill calls for the local elections to remain non-partisan and be held in odd-numbered years.Local elections are currently held in the spring of odd-numbered years.The Lawrence Journal-World reports Brad Bryant, deputy assistant secretary of state, says the changes are intended to increase voter turnout, although he acknowledged he had no data to prove that would happen.Supporters also said having the elections at the same time as national elections would save the state money.Opponents testified against allowing partisanship, saying most local issues aren't partisan.